Bluetongue in Portugal

How extensive is bluetongue inPortugal, and what was the status of bluetongue prior to the outbreak?

Bluetongue disease (BT) has been reported in sheep and cattle in Alandroal and Campo Maior municipalities, in southeasternPortugal. Bluetongue disease was last reported fromPortugalin 1959. Onset of clinical signs occurred onNovember 19, 2004. As ofNovember 26, 2004, four outbreaks were reported involving 901 sheep, 42 cattle and 19 goats. The BT virus serotype has not been reported. Control measures underway include quarantines and a ban on susceptible species movement. Surveillance for insect vectors,
Culicoides spp., has also been implemented. For information on control measures for BT implemented by the European Union, please see

Other recent reports of BT during September-November 2004 includeCroatia, the Peoples Republic ofChina,Spain,Morocco, andCorsica Island,France. Outbreaks inSpain,Morocco, andCorsicaIslandwere due to BT virus (BTV) serotype 4; a second serotype, 16, has also been found onCorsicaIsland. The BTV serotype has not been reported forCroatiaand the Peoples Republic ofChina.

What are theUSimports of affected animals or animal products fromPortugal?

TheUSimported no cattle, sheep, goats, or bovine embryos fromPortugalin 2003 or 2004. Imports of cattle, sheep, and goats into theUSare restricted from European countries because of BSE. Meat products and travelers are not considered a risk factor for BTV transmission.

Source: World Trade Atlas

What isPortugals place in the international market for affected animals and animal products?

Portugalcontributed less than 1 percent to world production of cattle, sheep and goats (Table 1) and exported less than 1 percent of world exports of these animals (Table 2).